Friday, April 09, 2010

It was a mightily fine birthday, if I do say so myself. The boy at the desk at the gym wished me happy birthday. cw gave me 2 homemade soaps. Gina & Richie sang Happy Birthday to me on air, and it was quite the duet. Lisa, Kacy, and Hailey took me to lunch at my favorite eating joint, and showered me with gifts and laughter and Awesome Thoughts. li'l ~j. made some of her famous chocolate shortbread, despite being sick. Darin made some brownies, despite being sick. The other kids, despite being sick, were nice and happy-birthday-wishy and gave me treasures like erasers they bought at the book fair. And the SUN was shining. I delivered guacamole to some friends, and I spent some sobbing-by-myself time at the cemetery, and cw rode her bike to my house for some grown-up chat. And it's not over yet, oh no it's not, because my birthday lasts all month, y'alls.

Speaking of all month, where I grew up spring break lasted two weeks. (We also had a two-week long vacation at Christmas time, which sounds superawesomeandall until you realize that school lasts until the END of JUNE. I graduated from high school about a week or so before the 4th of July. I'd much rather get out of school a month earlier, thankyouverymuch.) And so it is that I will begin my own spring break. I'll be gone for two weeks, but I'll be back with a sparkly new post on Monday, April 26th. I'll do all sorts of Awesome Things during break, I'm sure; although, and I don't mean to jinx myself here, but, a girl who takes care of her sick family day after day is bound to Catch It, right?

I have to second everything cw said, especially the part about Snow Canyon. We love that place! My father-in-law's favorite is Doc's Pizza if you're in the mood for one of those all-you-can-eat pizza and salad places. Other than that, just soak up some serious sunshine (and alliteration). Happy spring break! And happy belated birthday!

Red Cliffs for sure. It's off of the Hurricane exit, I think, and you can hike back into little pools if it's been rainy. Granted, I haven't been there in about 15 years, so if it's lamo, don't blame me.

A trip to the Pizza Factory in Ancestor Square is a must...say hi to Roger, he's the best waiter there! Run or ride bikes along all of the awesome trails on the south end of town and over in Green Valley area. Golf! Lay out in the sun and read a good book! Drive up to Zions National Park. Visit Grafton on your way to Zions National Park.

I had a very similar experience and I so appreciated your husband's testimony.

As for st. george... Zions is a great place for the whole family! They have a little nature path that is super easy for little legs, but also very beautiful! They have other hikes that are a bit more challenging if you are interested.

Also, Nelson's custard is great... but please go try the cupcakes from http://www.twentyfivemain.com/. Such a cute little cafe!

I just read your husbands post on CJane....it was fantastic! We have lost two children, we have three who remain with us. Our first was a very similar experience as yours, we too were students...alone in Utah...Looking back there are so many things I would have done differently....We love our sweet angel children...I find myself in tears very often...you never never stop missing them. Thanks for sharing your story.

In SG you have to go up on the red cliffs and do a little wandering while enjoying the great view of the city . . . Pasta Factory is great for lunch and grab a cupcake at 25 Main . . . also the factory outlets have killer deals and great shopping . . . and if you have never been to the Brigham Young or Jacob Hamblin homes . . . check them out!

Jenny -- you probably don't remember me, but I ran across your husband's posts on cjane just now. We were in the same class and small group in a Basic Vocal Skills class at BYU (along with Wendy) about 8 years ago. Such a small world. I hope things are going well for you!